ELC Software and Tutorial

The files presented here are part of a long-term effort in developing stable and tractable simulation tools for modeling desalination by capacitive deionization (CDI). Recently, we presented an electrolytic-capacitor (ELC) model, which blends CDI modeling with existing tools in battery and supercapacitor simulations. Here, we present a comprehensive COMSOL file for implementing the model. There is also a video tutorial showing how to use the model.

The model can simulate time-dependent CDI processes in 2D. The model generates trends for the internal concentration, the current, the adsorption, the cumulative adsorption and current, and the cell voltage. It also stimulates the internal flow distribution. Optional features that are covered include CV/CC charging, continuous/batch flow mode, and options to include leakage reactions. The physics are set up so that the geometry can be independently changed to simulate new devices.

In short, we present a versatile software for simulating a broad range of CDI processes.